California Truck Owners Sued General Motors
A new class action lawsuit alleges General Motors concealed transmission defects in specific truck models sold in California.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Trucks
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Plaintiffs Matthew Barba and Renzo Calvo-Saez have filed a class action lawsuit against General Motors regarding transmission issues. The litigation involves 2019 Chevrolet and GMC trucks equipped with specific eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Why it matters
The lawsuit alleges that the automaker failed to disclose known transmission defects to buyers before the sale of affected vehicles. It suggests the company was aware of potential issues as early as 2013.
The lawsuit specifically targets trucks manufactured after March 1, 2019, that are equipped with 8L45 or 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmissions. These components are allegedly prone to harsh shifting, jerking, and hesitation.
The players
General Motors
General Motors is a multinational automotive manufacturer based in Detroit that produces vehicles under brands including Chevrolet and GMC.
Matthew Barba
Matthew Barba is a plaintiff who initiated the class action lawsuit against the automotive manufacturer.
Renzo Calvo-Saez
Renzo Calvo-Saez is a co-plaintiff in the legal action regarding alleged transmission defects in California.
The details
Plaintiffs claim that General Motors continued to sell these vehicles even after approving a major transmission redesign. The legal action seeks to address these concerns for California residents who purchased the affected 2019 models.
Timeline
The lawsuit claims General Motors identified transmission issues as early as 2013.
The legal filing covers trucks manufactured on or after March 1, 2019.
The case involves the 2019 model year for several Chevrolet and GMC trucks.
Roadmap
This lawsuit highlights ongoing industry challenges as automakers balance complex engineering redesigns with consumer expectations for vehicle reliability. It reflects broader trends where manufacturers face legal scrutiny for transparency regarding mechanical performance in their high-volume truck segments.
California residents who purchased affected 2019 Chevrolet or GMC trucks may be impacted by the outcomes of this litigation regarding potential repair coverage. Owners should keep documentation of any transmission performance issues or service visits related to their vehicle's shifting behavior.
The takeaway
Owners experiencing harsh shifting or jerking should document every service interaction to build a record of the issue. Maintaining detailed service history is often essential for consumers participating in class action settlements or seeking warranty-related remedies.
Further reading
For more context on the current state of the industry, visit our Trucks section.
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Do you trust that major vehicle manufacturers provide full transparency regarding potential mechanical product defects?
